Cincinnati Bearcats vs Houston Cougars Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/31/26

As No.10 Houston looks for another home victory, they can’t afford to overlook this Cincinnati team. Earlier in the month, the Bearcats pushed the Cougars to the wire before Houston closed the game on a 7-0 run over the final four minutes to secure a seven-point win. According to KenPom, both teams rank inside the top 10 in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency, with Cincinnati at No. 6 and Houston at No. 9. 

The Bearcats are holding opponents to 67 points per game while limiting teams to 41.1% shooting from the floor. Meanwhile, the Cougars have been even tougher, allowing just 62.1 points per game and shooting 39.8% shooting. Kingston Flemings has been red hot for the Cougars, averaging 29.7 points per game in his last three outings, but it’s unlikely he’ll find that same level of offensive success against Cincinnati’s relentless defense. On the other end, the Bearcats simply don’t have the offensive talent to run up the score in this matchup, especially against a top-tier Cougars defense. This matchup sets up as a grind-it-out, defensive battle, with both teams preferring a slower tempo. Expect another low-scoring affair as these two physical defenses dictate the pace on Saturday. 

Cincinnati vs Houston prediction: Under 134 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.